Find out how to prune an olive tree for optimum fruit production with this step-by-step guide from our horticulture experts.
Checkout this video:
Introduction
Pruning an olive tree correctly will help to ensure a good yield of high quality fruit, and also help the tree to remain healthy and vigorous. It is important to prune olive trees regularly, as they can become very large and unwieldy if left unpruned.
There are two main types of pruning that can be carried out on olive trees – formative pruning and maintenance pruning. Formative pruning is carried out on young trees in order to shape them and encourage growth in the desired direction. Maintenance pruning is carried out on older trees in order to remove any dead or diseased wood, and also to control the size and shape of the tree.
In this article we will focus on formative pruning, as this is the type of pruning that is most likely to be required when you first acquire an olive tree.
The Benefits of Pruning
Pruning olive trees may seem like a lot of work, but it is well worth the effort. Not only will pruning improve the appearance of your tree, but it will also help to keep it healthy and productive.
Olive trees are normally pruned in the winter, when the tree is dormant. This is the best time to prune because it gives the tree time to heal before the growing season begins.
There are several benefits to pruning olive trees:
-Pruning improves airflow and sunlight penetration, which helps to prevent diseases such as powdery mildew.
-Pruning encourages new growth, which means more fruit!
-Pruning helps to keep the tree a manageable size, making harvesting easier.
-Pruning can make an old, neglected tree look like new again.
The Right Time of Year to Prune
Although you can prune an olive tree at any time of year, it is best to prune in the early spring, just before the new growth begins. This will help minimize stress on the tree and encourage vigorous new growth. Late winter or early spring pruning will also give you a better view of the tree’s architecture and allow you to make more precise cuts.
The Right Tools for the Job
To prune an olive tree, you will need a pair of sharp, clean pruning shears. You may also want to use a pruning saw for larger branches. It is important to sterilize your pruning tools before you use them on your olive tree. You can do this by wiping them down with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water.
When pruning your olive tree, be sure to make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle. This will help promote healing and prevent disease.
The Pruning Process
Olive trees are beautiful, stately plants that can live for hundreds of years. Proper pruning is essential to the health and vigor of the tree, and can also influence the quality and quantity of olives produced.
Olive trees are usually pruned in the winter, when they are dormant. This is the ideal time to prune because it gives the tree time to recover before the growing season begins.
There are two main types of pruning: formative and corrective. Formative pruning is done when the tree is young, to shape it into the desired form. Corrective pruning is done to remove diseased or damaged branches, or to improve the shape of an older tree.
The pruning process begins by removing any dead or diseased branches. These branches can be identified by their dry, lifeless appearance. They should be cut back to a healthy joint or bud.
Next, any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other should be trimmed away. These branches can damage each other over time, and can also provide entry points for diseases and pests.
Once all of the dead, diseased, and crossing branches have been removed, you can begin shaping the tree. The exact way that you shape the tree will depend on its age, health, and purpose (whether it’s being grown for fruit production or ornamental purposes). When in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and remove less rather than more. It’s much easier to remove additional branches later if necessary than it is to try to replace them if you’ve taken too much off.
Wrapping Up
Pruning olive trees is a crucial step in ensuring a bountiful harvest, and there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your tree is properly pruned. First, only prune during the dormant season, as this is when the tree is least stressed. Second, never remove more than one-third of the tree’s canopy in any given year. And finally, always use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts. With these guidelines in mind, you’re on your way to harvesting a bumper crop of olives!
